Argentina tourist fee

CORRECTION — After reading the item “Argentina Tourist Fee” (Dec. ’08, pg. 19), a reader pointed out that he had never had to pay a visa-application fee to get into Argentina as a tourist.

ITN called the Argentine consulate and was told that it is true that travelers have not had to pay a visa application fee, even though the consulate and embassy website states that the fee for a “holiday” visa application from the US is $30. The spokesman said that, while a visa is still required, the $30 fee applies only to “diplomatic holiday visits.”

However, as of Jan. 1, 2009, US citizens visiting as tourists are being charged a new entry fee at the airport. It was confirmed to ITN that that fee is $132 and that, once paid, it is good for 10 years. Call the Argentina Consulate in Washington, DC, at 202/238-6460.

[See "Entry fee (non) changes" in the May '09 issue. —Editor]